I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Syracuse. I flew in on Thursday night & met Jay (who had been there since the previous Saturday). We spent a couple of days with friends in Syracuse, then drove to Jay’s parents where we suprised Jay’s dad in the middle of his 60th birthday bash. The fact that he was shocked is an understatement. It was a sweet success!

I think this is both hilarious & a useful tool, unless of course I was the recipient. I thought I’d provide the link as a public service, in case anyone needs something like this right about now.

For all you “eco-shoppers” who like to bring your own re-usable bags, try this on for size. This is a fantastic, sturdy shopping basket that I adore. I take it with me to the store when I just have a few things to pick up. It has a cushy comfortable handle, and is all around awesome…and it looks good too!

“Surprising, poignant, and funny, Water for Elephants is that rare novel with a story so engrossing, one is reluctant to put it down; with characters so engaging, they continue to live long after the last page has been turned; with a world built of wonder, a world so real, one starts to breathe its air.”

I loved this book, set in a traveling circus during the depression, I loved the characters, and I couldn’t wait to read more. I’m sort of sad I finished it.

Cassandra, age 7:
Wow, that’s the biggest McCain/Palin sign I have ever seen!

Michael, age 6:
I’m for Obama.

Cassandra, age 7:
Why are you for Obama?

Michael, age 6:
He looks more intelligent.

I saw the movie “The Duchess” today. It was really really good, and equally tragic. Most movies that are a reflection of that time period tend to be filled with alot of boring conversation, but this wasn’t. It was an excellent story filled with scandal that made me invested in those characters. I wanted the Duke to burn in hell, and for love to prevail. I highly recommend it.

So, I joined facebook. I added some friends. I clicked on some stuff. Now what do I do? Honestly I don’t really get it. Apparently I avoided joining this kind of crap for so long for a reason. I mean, it’s cool to see people I went to high school with, bla, bla…but I guess I’d really just rather stick to my blog for posting photos & things…and to regular old email for communication. So there it is.

Happy Birthday Kara!
Happy Anniversary to Jamie & Carolyn!
Happy Anniversary to Sunny & Mike!

…and joined Facebook. Ugh.

It’s October, and I’m just getting around to wishing my husband at happy birthday! He turned 33 on September 26th. We had a nice dinner at a favorite little Italian place, and I scoured the city for a Boston Cream Pie. I literally must have called 40 bakeries before I found one that would let me order one. Now, that’s love.

It’s pretty bad when you don’t even blog about your own birthday! I reached the ripe “old” age of 31 last Thursday, and it was pretty anti-climactic as birthdays go. I usually plan some sort of friend-filled celebration for myself, but I just didn’t this year. My husband slaved away all day making me a delicious dinner of vegetable risotto, and a flourless chocolate cake for dessert (yum!)…as well as spending the day doing all the household chores that annoy me. That’s love. Though I’m fairly certain there was an alterior motive of being able to stay home and watch the NY Football Giants on the first day of football season mixed in there as well. I did get some great birthday wishes, and 2 beautiful boquets of flowers to top it all off. We are having a joint celebration with Sarah, Josh, Kristi & Corey later this month as we take-off on a casino overnight. Maybe I’ll feel a little more birthday-ish…for sure if I win the Jackpot!

9.07 :: Happy Birthday Mary-Ann!
9.08 :: Happy Anniversary Charlie & Sue!